Individuals who attended either of the two Markham locations during the identified times indicated may have been exposed to measles: Eastern Chinese Restaurant at 1 Stone Mason Drive on May 1 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. or Petro Canada Convenience Store at 9249 Ninth Line on May 2 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

All people who were at the locations above during the specified times are advised to immediately do the following:

Watch for symptoms of measles until May 23. If you develop sign and symptoms, you are advised to seek health care as soon as possible.

Check your immunization record to make sure you and your family members are up-to-date with the measles vaccination (MMR or MMRV). If you are unsure, please check with your health care provider, and get doses you may be eligible for.

People who did not attend either of those locations during the above dates and times are not considered at risk for this measles exposure, and there is currently no ongoing risk for measles at any of these locations.

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread easily to those who are susceptible or unprotected. The best defense against measles is vaccination. This is a good reminder for residents to check their immunization history and talk to their health care provider about getting vaccinated.

“Symptoms of measles can include high fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes or sensitivity to light, small spots in the mouth or throat and a red rash on the face or body” said Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health. “Anyone showing symptoms of measles is advised to seek health care as soon as possible and should call the health care provider/facility in advance of visiting to advise the provider/facility of their possible exposure to the measles virus. It is important to identify measles early to help prevent its spread to other people.”

Calling the health care provider/facility in advance of your visit can help the provider/facility make arrangements to reduce the risk of transmitting measles to others.

For more information about measles visit york.ca/health or contact York Region Public Health’s measles information line at 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77280.